A Good Story

I am feverishly reading back issues of Triathlete magazine, enjoying hand-me-downs from a friend and fellow triathlete. You can find his blog here. One of the articles that inspired me was about a 65 year old by the name of Richard Decker.

In 2009 Mr. Decker was returning to the Big Island after 25 years away. He was returning to Kona for another dance with one of the world's most difficult races. His goal was to beat his previous time of 15:14:17, a time he earned at age 40. At 65, this was one lofty goal. A goal he would not accomplish!

Richard had finished the swim and bike and was five miles into the run when he felt something pull around his right Achilles tendon. He wasn't sure what had happened but it made running difficult. He knew he would have to walk a good portion of the race. He called it the "Kona shuffle."

Richard walked into the darkness, past the Energy Lab to the Queen K. He encountered a man on a cell phone on the side of the road. He asked the stranger to call his son and tell him that he wasn't sure he was going to make it. He told the stranger to tell his son to inform family and friends of the news and head back to the hotel. Richard continued in pain, shuffling in the direction of the finish line. Minutes later he heard someone yelling at him. It was the man with the cell phone. The man relayed this message from Richard's son: "You will make it back before the midnight cutoff!" "We are monitoring your progress and you need to pick up the pace and we'll see you at the finish!"

With a quarter mile to go, Richard's wife and son were waiting on the side of the road for him. They cheered him on and Richard's son ran next to him, encouraging him that he could do it. He would finish! Richard did finish. He was the last racer to finish in 2009, 48 seconds before the Kona Ironman cutoff!

Craig Alexander and Chrissie Wellington greeted the 65 year old Ironman with hugs. His family and friends and thousands of spectators cheering him as he crossed the line. It must have been incredible.

When you are out there, alone. Always remember that you are actually not alone at all. Your friends, family, training partners and competitors are with you. They have the power to inspire you, as much as your accomplishments inspire them!